SCOTTISH salmon farms have seen a dramatic decrease in spending on medicinal treatments to control sea lice, according to a new report.
Figures published by the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation (SSPO) show that over the past two years such treatments have dropped from 71 per cent of total fish health management costs to 28 per cent.
The change of strategy has produced positive results, with the SSPO reporting in its Fish Health Management Annual Report that by the end of last year sea lice management was the best it had been for some years.
Scott Landsburgh, chief executive of SSPO, said: ‘Managing sea lice on the farms has become more challenging in the past few years, with higher water temperatures and an increase in the incidences of algal blooms and jelly fish.
‘However, the investment in cleaner fish
like wrasse and lumpfish, as well as the new machinery to remove lice, is proving successful and looks encouraging for the future.
‘We will always need responsible access to medicines as part of a multi-faceted strategy, but this has been a significant turnaround for the salmon farmers.’
Wrasse and lumpfish are now used throughout the industry in Scotland, with investment of around £14 million in the farming of both species.
‘Wrasse and lumpfish are becoming a key part of fish farming and the potential to farm wrasse for the salmon farming sector is an exciting opportunity for further investment and jobs in Scotland,’ said Landsburgh.
‘Of course, as we are dealing with livestock, there will always be a requirement for the use of medicinal treatments and it is important that we ensure long term responsible access to medicines which give the fish some protection. ‘Maintaining a range of options like the in-feed Slice treatment is a key part of the industry’s fish health management strategy.’
Last year also saw £21 million invested in the use of mechanical methods, such as thermolicers and hydrolicers, to remove lice. Although the technology is relatively new, results so far are encouraging, said the SSPO.